The Land of the Loving (for NaughtyPirate)

[SpicyPepper]

Miguel was a sweet, loving boy of the Rivera family, though he could be rambunctious, mischievous, and able to find himself on the receiving end of la chancla or other implements more times than he would like to admit. He loved his family, living and dead, and that love he only appreciated ever more after that fateful night on Dia de los Muertos when he found himself cursed and only able to get back to the land of the living with a blessing.

Now that the ban of music had been lifted once he got back home and had Coco remember her Papa, one of his favorite things to do was to play Hector’s prized guitar. He played whenever he had a chance and was always practicing, hoping to be as good as the famous Rivera musician someday. He played Papa Hector’s guitar numerous time over the course of the months he had been back from his adventure, but it was only when he was taking a peaceful moment playing for his ancestors’ graves in the cemetery that he noticed something ...something unusual.

A marigold bridge.

It looked just like it did on Dia de Los Muertos, a bridge of cascading orange gold petals leading to the land of the dead, though no one was on it either going to or from the two worlds. The boy wandered closer, setting down his guitar to touch the bridge, but as soon as he set the instrument on the ground, the bridge vanished as if it had never been.

Ah, so the guitar is the key...

It took a few weeks to get his plan into motion. He planned on surprising his dead family with an extended visit while telling his living family that he would really like to go to camp. The discussions were filled with lots of ‘Pleeeaassseee, can I go?’ and ‘It’s not forever, Mama,’ and ‘Si, si, of course I’ll behave, I always behave.’ That last sentence usually got a couple chuckles and shakes of a few heads from his family.

But eventually the pleading, begging, and telling them that he was selected for an all paid pass to the camp from an essay he did at school, (‘I didn’t mention this during the school year? I thought for sure I had, Papa...) he was finally able to go.

On the day he was to set out he packed his backpack full of things he would need for month vacation in the Land of the Dead (maybe even more if he wrote to his parents that his stay would be extended!) clothes, Papa Hector’s guitar, a handheld video game set, junk food (which may or may not have took up the bulk of his backpack), and other various items were all the essentials. As it was finally time to leave, he gave everyone a tight hug, all exchanging words of love, and only groaned inwardly of the kisses he was smothered with by his abuelita, all the while insuring her that he would be good and send letters. He gave one dimpled smile back over his shoulder as he walked off seemingly towards the bus station, Dante walking at his heels.

The short walk to the cemetery was full of excited anticipation, and as soon as they got there, Miguel quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching before taking out his guitar, strumming a few notes and imagining the bridge before it appeared right before his eyes.

“Ready, Boy?” Miguel smiled down at his beloved dog.

Dante barked, his tongue falling out of his mouth as he did so.

Miguel gave a laugh at that. “That’s what I thought.” He said, taking his first step onto the bridge which flowed brightly beneath his steps. The duo made their way over the bridge, easily making it past the point of entry since no one was suppose to be coming or going until Dia de Los Muertos. He pulled up his hood and kept his head low, not wanting to be the center of attention as he was last time he was here...there were a few things he didn’t want to repeat since last he was here.

Like seeing Ernesto.

A shiver went up his spine just at the thought, and he quickly pushed those thoughts off to the side, wanting to forget those parts completely. Instead, he focused on finding his family and how surprised they will be to see him!

“Alright, Dante, you’re my spirit guide...now..guide.” Miguel looked down to his not so furry friend.

Dante, who had since dawned his colorful look since crossing over, only cocked his head to the side and sat, scratching behind his ear.

“You’ve been at their house before!” Miguel threw up his hands and groaned. “I guess you may be an alebrije now..bit you’re still just Dante.” He said, though affection for the animal was clear in his voice. The young boy looked up towards the city, giving a small sigh as he headed for all the lights and sounds of a bustling, busy place.

It was hours later and Miguel had still been on his feet walking through the Land of the Dead (and a night of little sleep due to excitement was certainly not helping). He gave a yawn, but kept going, the chocolate bar that substituted as lunch giving him a small sugar high. “I’m sure we must be getting close..” He said, though no hope was left in his voice after hours of saying that same phrase. He was almost ready to give himself up and ask someone of the street where the heck he was when he looked up to a street sign, squinting through tired eyes to see what it said.

“Rivera?” Miguel gave a hum. Surely there were lots of Riveras in this world, and many other famous ones to name this street after, but as Miguel glanced down on side of the street, and then the other, a giant shoe sign caught his eye. “Dante, this has to be it!” The boy said, fatigue forgotten and excitement quickly returning as he ran to the building, knocking (nearly pounding) on the door.

The door opened and a bright smiled appeared on his young face, throwing himself at the skeleton now in front of him, hugging him tight.

“Papa Hector!”

[Naughty Pirate]

Things had been bad for Hector Rivera. They’d been bad indeed for many years before the visit of his little grandson. He hand not known that Miguel was his grandson at the time, but he’d been very fond of the boy. He’s come to care very deeply for the child, and had been quite surprised to learn that they were family!

He’d been even more pleased when his family had taken him back into their hearts, and Coco had remembered her beloved Papa.
Now, he could look around and see how much his fortune had changed.

Things were very good, now. His life was full of love and family, and they were all together. What more could he ask for?

He smiled as he watched his wife briskly order people about, hustling their family to their various activities until he was alone with Imelda.

He drew her close and kissed her, happy she’d let him back into her heart.

He was disputed when a knock sounded at the door.

He realized his wife, and went to open the door.

Myis ahcok grew when he found himself wrapped in the embrace of a child. A loving child!
“Miguel?” He questioned, pulling the boy back a bit to look at him.
“What are you doing here?” He asked.
“Are you alright?” He added, concerned for his welfare. Surely the boy hasn’t died!

[SpicyPepper]

Miguel happily hugged his beloved great grandpapa, laughing lightly once he was pulled back. “I’m alright, Papa Héctor!” He pointed to his cheek. “See? Dimple.” He said and walked past him, Dante trotting in after him. “I couldn’t wait to see you again! I didn’t know what happened after..you know...” he said quietly, never knowing in the living world if he made Mama Coco remember in time. “But I wasn’t late! I wasn’t late!” A smile grew back on his face.

“Héctor? Who’s at the- Miguel??” Imelda gasped and then put her hands on her hips. “What is going on?”

[Naughty Pirate]

Hector was just as surprised as his wife as he watched his grandson.
“But how did you get here, Miguel?” He asked, taking the back from him.
“What did you tell our familia? They must be so worried about you, mijo!”

[SpicyPepper]

“Did you have something to do with this?” Imelda stepped forward and pointed a bony finger in Héctor’s chest. “Because if you did so help me..”

“Mama Imelda, Papa Héctor didn’t have anything to do with it.” Miguel came to his beloved great grandfather’s defense. “And don’t worry, I just told them I’d be at camp for a while...I figured out if I play your guitar it makes a marigold bridge, so I’m here, curse free!”

[Naughty Pirate]

Hector raised in hands in front of him as his irate wife turned to him.
“No, Imelda, I didn’t!” He defended.

He turned to their grandson and frowned a little as he spoke.
“You lies to your parents? Miguel, you shouldn’t lie to them! Especially about this! What if you can’t get back? They’ll be worried sick about you!” He scolded.

[SpicyPepper]

Imelda crossed her arms, but gave her husband the benefit of the doubt. "Your papa Héctor is right, Miguel. You know what happened last time!"

Miguel frowned, he thought they would all be happy to see him. "But I-I just wanted to see you all again! And..I thought you'd want to see me too..." He gave Héctor a puppy dogged eye look.

[Naughty Pirate]

Hector softened at the words and sighed.
“Of course we wanted to see you, mijo?” He said.
“But lying...that’s not very good,” he said.
He looked up at his wife and sighed again.
“But we are happy you came. Right, Imelda?”

[SpicyPepper]

Miguel gave a small shrug. "But I couldn't exactly tell mi familia the truth.." He toed at the ground.

Imelda rubbed at her forehead. "Si....we are happy to see you, Miguel."

"So, I can stay?" The boy perked right back up again.

[Naughty Pirate]

Hector sighed and pulled the boy into a hug.
“I know, mijo,” he said.
“But...well have to find a way to send them some letters so they don’t worry too much.”
He turned to his wife and smiled as he lifted their grandson.
“Imelda! We should have a party!”